Journey Parts Ways With Longtime Drummer Weeks Before Final Frontier Wrap-Up

Drummer Deen Castronovo has exited Journey just two weeks before the band closes out its Final Frontier tour with a hometown show in San Francisco. Castronovo has been managing an undisclosed medical condition that twice forced him to leave the stage mid-set in recent weeks, with drum technician Steve Toomey stepping in behind the kit. Journey has since brought in Steve Murphy to see the trek through to the end.

“After careful consideration and an extensive year of touring, our talented, longtime drummer Deen Castronovo has decided to step away to focus on personal health matters that require his attention,” the band said in a joint statement. “He has our full support during this time and extends his heartfelt thanks to the fans for the love, encouragement, and kindness he has received. Native New Yorker Steve Murphy, who comes to us from working with bands such as Alan Parsons Project, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Christopher Cross, and Jack Bruce, will be joining us for the remainder of November. We look forward to continuing to share unforgettable nights of music with all of you.”

Castronovo first joined Journey in 1998, when the group hit the road with new lead singer Steve Augeri. He departed in 2015 following his arrest on domestic violence and sexual assault charges. He ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of fourth-degree assault constituting domestic violence, two counts of menacing constituting domestic violence, and unlawful use of a weapon and coercion. More serious allegations, including sexual assault, were dropped as part of the plea agreement, and he was handed a suspended sentence along with four years of probation.

The band welcomed him back in 2021, and he quickly became a fixture of their live show once more, even taking lead vocals on the 1978 staple “Lights” during this tour. During an October 8 concert in Tulsa, however, Castronovo suffered a medical emergency and was taken to a hospital. “We’re going to see what happens as this progresses,” Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain told the crowd. “It’s an unfortunate situation. We’re very sorry. We’re hoping it’s only a delay, but please — I’m sorry. Don’t worry. Have your prayers ready. Have your prayers ready for Deen Castronovo, everybody. Thank you.”

The Tulsa date wrapped with Toomey holding down the drums. When the tour resumed just two days later in San Antonio, Castronovo was back in his seat and appeared to be in good form. But when the band reached Boston on November 10, he was forced offstage partway through the set again. The group pressed on with Toomey, though several songs had to be trimmed from the lineup.

That was the turning point. Murphy took over the drum chair in Cleveland on November 12 and will remain with the band through the final shows. Journey had previously framed the trek as their farewell run, but they have since reversed course.

“Your love, energy and passion for this music have reminded us how much we still share and how much this journey means to all of us,” Journey founder Neal Schon wrote to fans earlier this month. “What began as ‘The Final Frontier’ now feels more like ‘The Long Goodbye.’ We’re letting our hearts — and the connection we feel with you every night — help guide what comes next.”

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